Food Dehydrator
SFD 1309BK
EN
EN-5
Copyright © 2014, Fast ČR, a.s. Revision 03/2014
PRINCIPLES OF DEHYDRATION
There are no absolutes and quite a few variables in food dehydration. The best way to become
proficient is to experiment using this booklet as a guideline and then adjusting your drying technique
according to your results.
Record keeping is helpful in food dehydration. Records of weight of produce before and after the
dehydration, length of time required for drying, etc., can be useful information in attaining a good
quality product. Information can be recorded on the labels of the food storage containers.
Tasty ready-to-eat snacks and confections are some of the versatile products you can create by drying
fruits and vegetables at home. After soaking in water, the re-hydrated foods can be used in favorite
recipes for casseroles, soups, stews and salads. Re-hydrated fruits and berries can also make excellent
compotes or sauces.
Drying is appealing because the procedure is relatively simple and requires little equipment. Only
minimal storage space is needed.
Dehydrating is a method of heating the food to evaporate the moisture present, and removing the
water vapor formed.
Most food products release moisture rapidly during early stages of drying. This means they can absorb
large amounts of heat and give off large quantities of water vapor while remaining at a temperature
well below that of the drying air.
PROCEDURE
Fruits and vegetables selected for drying should be the highest quality obtainable – fresh and fully
ripened. Wilted or inferior produce will not make a satisfactory dried product. Immature produce lacks
flavor and color. Overmature produce may be tough and fibrous or soft and mushy.
Prepare produce immediately after gathering, and begin drying at once. Wash or clean all fresh food
thoroughly to remove any dirt or spray. Sort and discard defective food; decay, bruises, or mold on any
piece may affect an entire batch.
For greater convenience when you finally use the food, and to speed drying, it is advisable to peel, pit,
or core some fruits and vegetables. Smaller pieces dry more quickly and uniformly.
PRETREATING
Enzymes in fruit and vegetables are responsible for color and flavor changes during ripening. These
changes will continue during drying and storage unless the produce is pretreated to slow down enzyme
activity.
Blanching can be used in the pretreatment of vegetables, as it helps set color and hastens drying by
relaxing tissues. Blanching may also prevent undesirable changes in flavor during storage, and improve
reconstitution during cooking.
Many light-colored fruits (especially apples, apricots, peaches, nectarines, and pears) tend to darken
during drying and storage. To prevent this darkening, the fruit may be pretreated by blanching or by
a suitable dip, but effectiveness of pretreatment methods varies.